By Roseanne Schoen
In acknowledgement of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, here are a few more ways to stay prostate-healthy!
Schedule an Annual Prostate Exam: Annual prostate exams can help catch problems early and can diagnosis and treat preexisting problems such as an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, and prostate cancer.
Maintain Your Ideal Weight: If you need to lose weight do it. Studies showed that men with 43 inch waists or greater were 50% more likely than normal weight men to suffer from prostate enlargement. Eat adequate servings of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of salt and processed foods.
Abstain from Alcohol: Studies have shown that beer raises the body’s prolactin levels (prolactin increases the uptake of testosterone into the prostate and this increased testosterone converts into increased levels of DHT), and that the higher the alcohol intake the more likely a man was to suffer from prostate enlargement. Caffeine and sugar should also be avoided or moderated.
Avoid Drug and Pesticide Exposure: Drugs and pesticides may increase the 5-alpha-reduction of steroids and may put you at a higher risk for cancer.
Keep Cholesterol Down: Free radical damaged cholesterol may play a role in stimulating the prostate cell formation that may cause an enlarged prostate so it is important to keep your cholesterol level within a healthy range.
Exercise!
